Sponsored Links

By Debbie Schlussel
I’ll start from the end of this movie, “The Kingdom” (out in theaters, today) to give you a good idea what it’s about. This isn’t a spoiler. But it’s an important comment on the juxtaposition of two men, two scenes, at the conclusion of the movie.
At the conclusion of “The Kingdom,” We’re shown the family of a terrorist leader just killed by the FBI in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi mother asks her son why he’s not crying or afraid after he just witnessed the shooting death of his terrorist leader grandfather at the hands of Black and female FBI agents. The young boy responds:

He told me, “Don’t worry, my child. We will kill them all.”

Then, the camera cuts to the Black FBI agent (Jamie Foxx), the lead counterterrorism agent involved in the terrorist’s assassination–his race is important because most Blacks in Saudi Arabia are slaves and are looked down upon and called “abed” (slave) even if they aren’t. He is asked by his young son what he said to comfort the grieving young daughter of an FBI agent murdered in a terrorist attack (committed by the assassinated terrorist leader). The FBI agent (Foxx) tells his son:

I told her we’d kill ’em all.

In the final analysis, that’s the message of the action thriller “The Kingdom.” The lead FBI counterterrorist agent and the chief terrorist are morally equivalent. They say the same thing. They have the same message. They are both killers. One is not better than the other.
But aside from that, before you decide whether to see this weekend’s heavily promoted new release, “The Kingdom,” you need to take a short quiz. It only has one question:
Which of the following is true in real life?:
a) After the 1996 bombing of the Khobar Towers, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia allowed a team of FBI agents into the country to investigate, a billionaire Saudi Prince helped the FBI extensively, and a Saudi police Colonel enthusiastically helped the FBI track down the terrorist murderers inside the Kingdom?;
b) An American woman–an FBI agent, no less–is allowed to roam and gallivant around Saudi Arabia in a very short-sleeved tight T-shirt, bearing all of her arms, and without anything covering her long, flowing hair . . . and she carries a machine gun in the process?;
c) A Jewish man–an American FBI agent, no less–is allowed into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, despite the fact that his grandmother lives in Israel, and he has three stamps from Israel in his passport from three separate trips to visit her there. When asked whether he’s “got a problem with that,” a Saudi police Colonel says, “It is not a concern,” and waives the Jewish-American with the Israeli stamps in his passport into the Kingdom, since they are such a tolerant society?;
d) Only a distinct, small group of Saudi Arabians are Wahhabis, with the rest being law-abiding moderate Muslims running and living in the Kingdom?;
e) The FBI Director will not pander to Muslims and tells off the U.S. Attorney General about it, saying “We won’t cry uncle,” when one of his agents is killed in a Saudi terrorist attack. He tells the pro-Saudi AG, “The end is coming no matter what. The only thing that matters is if you go out on your feet or on your knees.” He insists on sending his men inside the Kingdom to investigate, and to get there, he has his top agent (Jamie Foxx) blackmail and threaten a Saudi Prince and Ambassador (who–surprise!–looks exactly like recent Saudi Ambassador to the U.S., Prince Turki Al-Faisal)?
Which if these five things is true in real life? Which would actually or has actually happened?
If you answered, “None of the above,” then you are cleared to see “The Kingdom,” but you wouldn’t want to waste your time and ten bucks to view this pan-Saudi propaganda.
If you answered that any of the above is true, you are clearly too ignorant to attend a showing of “The Kingdom.” You will believe anything Hollywood puts in your face. And you’re dangerous.
The truth is, none of the above is true in real life. But all of the above are portrayed as true in “The Kingdom.”
In fact, despite many pandering requests and stronger demands, the Saudis did NOT allow the FBI into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, after Saudi terrorists attacked and murdered Americans in the Khobar Towers bombing. The FBI did NOT get to investigate at the crime scene.
In fact, women–especially sexy American women with machine guns–are not allowed to run around the country without their arms fully covered along well as their body and hair. That’s not what were shown with an FBI agent played by Jennifer Garner. The only hint of anything is when fellow FBI agent Jamie Foxx tells her, “You need to dial down the boobies,” for a dinner with their pro-American ally, the Saudi Prince, who resembles the anti-American Saudi billionaire Prince AlWaleed Bin Talal just a little too closely.
In fact, while few Jews are allowed into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, NO Jews with stamps from Israel on their passports are allowed in. That’s a strict no-no and is official written and practiced Saudi diplomatic protocol. The only ones allowed in with an Israeli stamp on their passports are Muslims who live in Israel or the Palestinian Authority who are on the Hajj, making the pilgrimage to Mecca. That is the only exception and it is very hush-hush. Yet, the movie makes a point of showing us Jewish FBI agent Jason Bateman (who should have retired after “Silver Spoons“) raising the issue of his Israeli-stamp-filled passport, with the Saudis telling him they’re not concerned about it. Riiiight.
In fact, almost all Saudis are Wahhabis, following the strict, extremist teachings of Mohammed Ibn Abd-Al-Wahhab. There isn’t this small group of radicals, like Crips and Bloods, who think this way and can be singled out. They all think this way (but for the few oppressed, persecuted Shi’ites in the Kingdom–who are just as extremist but don’t follow Ibn Abd-Al-Wahhab) in Saudi Arabia.
In fact, FBI Director Robert Mueller has made it his policy not to stand up for his agents, but to kowtow to the Saudis and their well-funded surrogates here on U.S. soil. He’s had his agency sponsor their events and has broken pita with the Saudi-funded American Muslims tied most strongly to terrorists.
Instead of telling the Attorney general, “We won’t cry ‘uncle,'” Mueller cries “uncle” on a daily basis and asks his Islamist friends around America in which falsetto tone they’d like to hear it on that particular day. Like he’d ever blackmail a Saudi Prince/Ambassador. Puh-leeze. His nose is irreversibly brown from kissing their butts on a regular basis.
The rest of the movie is equally hilarious in its falsehoods. We see a Saudi police commander telling his Colonel to use all of his energy to “get these criminals” who murdered Americans. Uh-huh. We’re shown endless scenes of the pro-American Saudi police Colonel lovingly affectionate with his daughter, then scenes of the FBI agent Jamie Foxx calling his young son. See?–We’re exactly alike. We’re just like the Saudis. They love their kids, just as we love ours. At least, that’s the movie’s propagandistic message.
The Saudi Colonel, Faris Al-Ghazi, became a cop because he watched “The Incredible Hulk” and “The Six Million Dollar Man” as a kid. (Did they even have those on Saudi TV back then? Doubtful.) See?–We’re exactly alike. He wants to “get those men who murdered innocent people [Americans].” See–We’re exactly alike, even watched the same TV shows growing up.
(Ironically, the actor who plays “American-loving” Al-Ghazi, Ashraf Barhom, an Israeli Christian Arab, played a Palestinian terrorist leader in the pro-homicide bomber movie, “Paradise Now.”)
We’re also told that “Saudis, like Americans, don’t do manual labor. They believe it’s beneath them.” See?–“We’re Exactly Alike,” Comparison #5,376. It goes on and on and on in this movie.
Director Peter Berg claims “The Kingdom” is “98 percent action, 2% message.” But he’s lying. It’s 100% false message and propaganda . . . with action thrown in to make it go easily down the American throat.
Berg told USA Today how upset he was when clueless American audiences like the movie and think it’s patriotic (like the applauding for this tripe of a movie, as the ignorant audience did when I saw it in August):

When a test screening in Sacramento erupted in cheers during a battle scene (he was hoping for a more somber reaction), he told Universal Studios executives he wanted a screening for a largely Muslim audience.
“I didn’t want this to be an ‘America kicks (butt)’ movie,” he says. I wanted action but not jingoistic action.” . . . [DS: As I’ve written many times, “jingoistic” is the word the left–especially in Hollywood–uses to deride American patriotism.]
[After a London audience gave the scene an ovation], Berg decided audiences were cheering a win over terrorism, not [DS: American] nationalism, and kept the scene.

As I’ve noted in a previous column and also here, I believe there’s Saudi money behind this movie. At first the Saudis look bad in this film, but in the end, they work hand in hand with the Americans to “get the terrorists.” That’s not how it happens in real life. But that’s the message the Saudis have been desperately trying to pimp on the American public–without much success–over the past 6 years since 15 of their countrymen murdered almost 3,000 Americans.
Now, they’ve found a way to do it–through an insidious thriller that’s really just outside wrapping for a pan-Saudi Trojan horse.
While I can’t prove the Saudi financing behind this one, I have already documented that Saudi advisors consulted on what was in the film:

After I wrote this, Al-Hajjar e-mailed me and was clearly very upset. I think by exposing his involvement and connections to The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I exposed their very visible plan.
Whether or not the Saudis heavily invest in the Kingdom, they clearly got their money’s worth.
And, as I noted, Jamie Foxx is in on this Islamist propaganda machine and very motivated to perpetrate the fakery. He said:

Well, my biological father is Muslim . . . . It was a breath of fresh air as opposed to what you see on TV. It was beautiful to see the other side in a good light.

It’s not a breath of fresh air. It’s stale, old propaganda in new, more clever packaging.
Don’t go to “The Kingdom.” But if you do, make sure you wear a headcovering and/or hide your Israeli-stamped passport. And bring a BS detector.

20 Responses

Debbie,
thank you for this analysis and review of this movie. When I first saw the trailers for it I suspected it would be sanitized and politically correct. I knew I wouldnít waste my time or provide profits (funding) for the Saudis by watching this piece of islamist trash.
Jamie Foxx is also nothing more than an ignorant, anti-American piece of crap. Heís in the same class as Angelina Jolie.

Mr. Locksman…
Yes, it IS “just a movie”…but funny how movies seem to shape public opinion…and that’s just the point!
To give you an idea…I’m pasting just a few comments from Yahoo movie reviewers. Seems they take this far more “literally” than you:
“The Kingdom works as a political piece and as a disturbing realistic portrayal of Saudi Arabian life.”
“This movie gives us a great insight into a way of life few have ever known or seen.”
“It was bitterly realistic, and, hopefully, it will get the nation (and world) to think politically.”
“It is an good action film where art imitiates life.”
“This was a very informative motive as well as action packed. And Very believable. It could happen.”
Well…there you go. Public opinion of “reality” shaped by a Hollywood fantasy…
Sure, there were many, MANY reviews that saw this for the crapogranda it is…and some lefties who believe it is a pro-war, pro-Bush diatribe to fighting the “evil” terrorist-boogyman and grabbing Mid-East oil…so go figure. Fact is, you CAN watch this as just a popcorn-fantasy action-movie if you want to…but when we are STILL currently fighting these same terrorist jihadists, and have to be told we are no “different” than them…in action or in intent…it becomes a “fantasy” that is too hard to swallow.

Nodog, I was one of the ones who was going to try to watch this film as a “popcorn action fantasy”, but you bring up some valid points. True to form , the movie reviewer for my city’s local daily felt the film was “racist, jingoistic, and anti-Islamic”. Well damn. It’s fascinating how the same film is viewed very differently by folks based on their life experiences, political affiliation, and world view.
I do appreciate Ms. Schlussel for pointing out what’s real vs. what’s Hollywood in the film. Because given the heavy influence of Radio-Television-Film in our culture, it is good to be reminded that no film dealing with the Middle East is “just a movie” right now, especially when our troops are on the ground and we’re at war….

locksman, you said; ìYou don’t like Muslims, WE GET IT. IT”S A MOVIE not real lifeî
Actually, the point of the movie is to show that islamic thought, culture, and values are basically like ours, that is, American.
You probably donít know this, but the fact is America was founded on Judeo-Christian values. Modern Saudi (an oxymoron) thought, culture, and values are as vicious and barbaric as the islamic, false religion that it is based upon.
You are correct on one point however, no, I donít like muslims, for the most part.
You need to read the Weekly Jihad Report produced by TheReligionOfPeace.com, and you will see that for the week of September 15, through September 21, 2007, there were 58 jihadist attacks, that resulted in 252 dead bodies, and 302 critically injured.
Ironically, most of the victims were muslims.
Yes, itís a movie, but your conclusion is wrong. Itís a propagandist movie attempting to show how normal Saudi culture is. But the question you should be asking is; what is that normality based on? The love and greatness of Judaism and Christianity? Or the hatred and evil that is islam?

There is actually a WWII analog to this film. During the War Communist Hollywood made several films extolling the virtues of our Soviet Allie. Today, much of Hollywood is enamored with our Muslim “friends” that they have made a movie celebrating out Saudi allies. The names change but the story line remains the same.

I would think that given the enormous investment by Universal in their movie they would have gone out of their way to ensure that it wasn’t “stale, old propaganda in new, more clever packaging.” I also would think that any sinister, evil, jihadi-laced subliminal attack the two Saudi consultant advisors attempted to slip in would be scutinized by the two men ultimately responsible for the movie’s content; Peter Berg, producer, and Jeff Zucker, President and CEO of NBC Universal. By the way, both of them Jewish.
Get a grip, people. Your Islamophobia is out of control.

To the Islamist Apologists that are posting: Do not start tossing that ridiculous ‘Islamophobia’ bullsh*t at those of us that have taken the time to actually study the enemy. Islam is not our friend. The Saudi Kingdom is our worst enemy. These are facts, not hyperbole.
If some of you wish to view this as just “another movie” then you are simply more dhimmi lemmings being lead by the nose. CONGRATULATIONS.
Nothing in this review surprised me at all; I was fully expecting these revelations. The Saudis have their hands and their dirty oil money in all facets of European and American life. The noose is tightening.
I have Islamomisia — I am SICKENED by Islam and it’s mythology and militant political dogma.
Weaklings and idiots that continue to appease this monstrous pox upon humanity should go revert to it today so that you can be on the side of what you protect. That also gives the rest of us a much clearer definition of where the lines are drawn.
Thanks for the review, Debbie.

I heard your review of this POS movie on Debbie Does the Movies — on Sirius Sat-Radio — Patriot last Friday. It is great to have you to correct the the BS, DS.
I spoke to a muslim man today at his Lebanese restauarant (sorry I had to have some falafel and hummus) and he sat down at my table. We discussed about life in Saudi Arabia–he actually lived there for 5 years! As we talked about Ackma-nutjob’s visit and the Chahine’s etc,–I brought up to him that according to my understanding I could not even bring a Bible into that country. He said that was not so. He said there are churches in Saudi Arabia too.
hmmm. I was pretty sure this had to be some BS.
So what’s the story on this issue, DS?

abdulnosefinger:
“both of them [Berg and Zucker] Jewish”
So is Noam Chomsky. And so is Debbie. What’s your point, buddy?
Unlike you, I’m not a racial or religious bigot so I don’t judge what people say by their racial or religious background. I judge it by whether it’s true or not. When Debbie described five scenes from the movie and said they couldn’t happen in real life, was she wrong? Or were Berg and Zucker just making stuff up? Which is it? C’mon, tell us.

Rosen:
Say it isn’t so, man! Are you telling me that Hollywood productions have scenes in them that couldn’t happen in real life?! Are you saying that in the interest of telling a story, providing entertainment, and – oh yeah – making a $ or two, embellishments, half-truths, non-truths, and impossibilities are included in the final production?! No Way!! I cannot believe this would ever happen! How disappointing it is to learn that Hollywood creates fiction. In light of this revelation I guess the only conclusion that can be drawn is that Berg and Zucker were just making stuff up. Bummer.
The point is, buddy, that Berg and Zucker (and I could care a less if they are jewish/christian/muslim/whatever – i don’t care!) saw a need to employ a couple of Saudis for the production. That’s it, a business transaction, right? The answer is yes – until DS previews the movie while wearing her Zionista goggles. Suddenly, lo and behold, it’s not just a movie, it’s another conspiracy against the USA. I personally think that’s stretching things just a bit. Commentary and analysis like that – buddy – is your example of racial and religious bigotry.

In your review of the movie “The Kingdom” – you said the following:
“Then, the camera cuts to the Black FBI agent (Jamie Foxx), the lead counterterrorism agent involved in the terrorist’s assassination–his race is important because most Blacks in Saudi Arabia are slaves and are looked down upon and called “abed” (slave) even if they aren’t. He is asked by his young son what he said to comfort the grieving young daughter of an FBI agent murdered in a terrorist attack (committed by the assassinated terrorist leader). The FBI agent (Foxx) tells his son:
I told her we’d kill ’em all.”
We must have seen a different version of the movie. In the version I saw – an FBI agent is killed in Saudi Arabia at the beginning of the movie. The dead agent was a mentor to Jennifer Garner’s character who is also an FBI agent. During the initial briefing about the bombing, Foxx leans over to Garner and whispers something in her ear as she is visibly distraught.
Another agent asks Foxx what he told Garner. Foxx does not answer.
At the end of the movie there are two scenes where the dying Saudi bomber whispers something to his grandson. The child is later asked by his mother what the grandfather said – the answer being “We will kill them all”.
The final scene shows the FBI agent (SA Levitt) who asked Foxx the initial question asking the Foxx again what he had said to Garner. Foxx responds “I told her we would kill them all”
Did you actually see the movie Debbie?

I saw the sneak preview in August. I liked the movie and before anyone jumps on me, I lived in Saudi Arabia for 9 years in the early 70’s and 2 of my 3 children (from my American wife) were born there. I currently am still working in the Middle East. And NO, I am NOT a Muslim but a practicing follower of Jesus Christ. I just did not see all the things Debbie mentioned in the movie but maybe I am not the most perceptive person when it comes to reviewing movies. I thought it was fairly realistic in some parts and yes I knew the correct answers to all the questions Debbie asked.

> Did you actually see the movie Debbie?
I’m having a difficult time discerning any meaningful difference between exfed’s version and Debbie’s version.
I have no doubt Debbie actually saw the movie.
Yup, it’s “just a movie”, you know, like “Cars” or “Back to the Future”, right?
nodog’s summary of reviews pretty much underscores the problem.

I was extra in this movie. I have some good stories for you about some Lib stars in the movie. I was in a few scenes with the big stars. I shove jamie Foxx in a scene. One of them is a 9/11 conspiracy believer. It was sickeing to hear it.

Ex fed and debbie are both correct. I remeber one pre screening they show a kid getting shot and another they edit it. I too remeber that line with jamie and I was pissed at the moral equivolence that was used in that scene.

Debbie you are the most ignorant piece of crap I have ever had the pleasure of reading. The film is complete fiction that was inspired by some true events (also not just the Khobar housing complex bombing, it included the 2003 compound bombing as well, but you ignored that). The juxtaposition clearly wasn’t meant to end at the fact that we are the same as terrorists, but rather these fights will continue with a cyclic nature, i.e., we kill them, they kill us etc. You call this film propaganda when in reality, the propagation of you’re beliefs is the only propaganda I’m seeing here. I may be a few years too late for you to see this, but I hope if you do, you have now realized how much of an idiot you are.

Calling Jaime Foxx anti-american? You have to be kidding me. What are your qualifications for reviewing a movie? Or for that matter, what is your criteria for a movie anyways? You rant like a lonely housewife sitting at home while the hubby works all day with nothing better to do than watch movies you know you won’t like. Spare all of us your amateur movie reviews and raise your kids if you have any, that would be better time served for you I believe. If you don’t happen to have children, seriously consider picking up Pilates because no doubt, if you have time to watch a movie and review it for a hobby, all that buttered popcorn has gone somewhere unflattering on your body. Grow up and get a real job.